Langdell resigns from role for unstated reasons, while Bates leaves to pursue "dream project"

Both Tim Langdell and Bob Bates have stepped down from their respective roles on the International Game Developers Association board, the organisation has announced.

Langdell's resignation follows a turbulent few months which has seen the game designer locked in a battle with Mobigame over the use of his trademark The Edge.

His resignation, announced yesterday, is effective immediately said the organisation. Langdell has held a seat on its board since March 2009, which will be put up for re-election in early 2010.

Last month The Chaos Engine, a community of over 7000 game developers, began a Chaos Engine legal fund to help support Mobigames against Langdell. The community commented at the time it was "confident" an IGDA meeting would be called to hold on vote on having Langdell removed from its board, with an IGDA member petition on the matter having reached 2000 names. This meeting was subsequently scheduled to take place in October.

Legend Entertainment founder Bob Bates confirmed his departure at the same time as Langdell, telling the board of directors he was stepping down after more than six years on the board to pursue a project he's been considering for more than a decade. His chairperson role will be assumed by co-chair Tobi Saulnier

"There are only a few times in life when the opportunity arises to work on one's dream project," commented Bates. "Such an opportunity is before me now, and pursuing it will mean I cannot give the IGDA the level of attention I feel is required of a board member or chair. It has been an honour to serve the organisation.

"I have been planning on pursuing this project for some time now, but wanted to ensure that the right team was in place to take the association to the next level. With Tobi and Joshua working together with the rest of the board and volunteer leadership, I feel comfortable with the timing of my decision."

"Bob was a great leader for this organisation, and we'll be sorry to see him take a seat on the sidelines," added Saulnier. "At the same time, we all know what it's like to have a chance to go for it!"

Bates took up the role of chairperson in March this year following a six year tenure on the board during which he served in multiple roles including secretary and vice chairman.

Sign up for The Daily Update and get the best of GamesIndustry.biz in your inbox.